The “Via Claudia Augusta” is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in Europe. In any case, it is one of the hiking paths that have the most to offer culturally and historically. In the past it was used by the ancient Romans, today numerous hikers enjoy the route from the Mediterranean to the Danube. Eurohike runs this trip on the section between two beautiful lakes, the Reschensee and the Kalterer See. A church tower that protrudes out of the middle of a lake – where can you get something like that? Quite simply: At the Reschensee, which has become one of the most popular photo opportunities in the region thanks to this unusual sight. After the Reschensee and Haiderer See, you will hike along the Adige.
You pass lush alpine pastures, shady forests, imposing mountain plateaus, charming mountain villages as well as historical castles and fortresses. Reinhold Messner's Juval Castle with the “Messner Mountain Museum” is just as worth a stop as the Ganglegg archaeological site. Day 6 of the tour finally takes you to Merano, which invites you to linger. Via the castles-rich Nals, you finally reach your destination, Lake Kaltern. Be sure to hop in before you leave, because with some over 28 degrees it is the warmest swimming lake in the Alpine region.
First along Reschensee reservoir and over to Graun, where you will find the best known camera motive of the Vinschau, the flooded spire of Gaun. The route runs past lake Haidersee and along the largest alluvial fan of the Alps and leads up to the idyllic mountain village Planeil. Downhill you walk through forest and later through flowering meadows to Burgeis, with view to the impressive monastery of Marienberg.
Walk along the Sonnensteig path, a newly created theme path with fantastic views of the snowy mountain peaks. High above the town Mals, with its many towers, onwards and over the Tartscher Bichl past ‚Ganglegg’, a historic archaeological site from the Bronze and Iron Age on to Schluderns, with the most impressive and best-preserved castles in South Tyrol.
From the foot of Sonnberg your walk starts and continues crossing through dense forests. Above Laas, well known for the white marble, you later reach the orchards of Vinschgau – apple trees as far as the eyes can see.
Today you pass through the orchard of the Vinschgau. Along the Latschander Waal path you walk through regions of the best South Tyrolean wines. Continue on the archaeological path which almost takes you to Messners castle ‘Juval’, high above the valley. On a meandering trail downhill you reach Naturns.
High up you continue following the Rablander Waal path through forests, past Alpine mountain farms forever accompanied by stunning views of the Vinschgau valley. Follow Partschinser and Algunder Waal path down into the Meraner basin. Tired muscles get a chance to relax in the thermal spa.
On Marlinger Waal path, the longest Waal of South Tyrol you walk into the apple centre Lana. On your way enjoy lovely views on Meran and the Adige valley to Bolzano. Pass through light forests up to Tisens, well known for the sweet chestnuts. During the second half of this path many ancient fortresses are passed: Nals with Stachelburg, Schwanburg and Payrsberg castle.
Walk past castles, raised stands and fortresses with great views of the Etschtal Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. A section of the path takes you along the ‘Three-Fortress-Route’ and continue via St. Michael through extensive vineyards until you reach the beautiful lake Kalterer See. In this beautiful valley you should taste a glass of "Kalterer See".
approx. 5.5 – 6.5 h
approx. 21 km
500 m
550 m
Day
9
Departure or extension
Tour character
You walk mainly on good walking paths, often on the so called ‘Waal paths’, ancient water systems as well as on paved sections. The paths are easy to walk, the route is undulating through lovely countryside, dotted with orchards and vineyards. Longer ascents only occur on two of the days. We recommend a good basic fitness level for walking days of up to 6.5 hours. Shortcuts of daily sections are possible by train or coach.
Reservation fee of CHF 15.- per adult (incl. legally required customer money protection)
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Optional:
Half-board evening meal (mostly multi-course, sometimes outside the property, payable with voucher)
Return transfer by minibus from Lake Kalterer See to Reschen every Saturday, Sunday and Monday, costs CHF 85.- per person, CHF 35.- per dog, reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance
Information
Arrival/Parking/Departure:
By train to Landeck (North Tyrol) and by bus approx. 1.5 hours to Reschen. Or by train via Bolzano and Meran to Mals (South Tyrol) and by bus to Reschen in approx. 30 minutes
Innsbruck or Munich airport.
Parking: Free parking at the hotel. No reservation required.
Return transfer from Meran by Vinschgau train in approx. 1.5 h to Mals and from there approx. 30 min to Reschen. From Lake Kalterer by bus/train in approx. 1 h to Merano then continue as described.
Other important information:
The distance travelled is approximate and may differ from the actual distance.
Travel cancellation insurance, including travel interruption insurance is recommended.
The wonderful ‘Villa Waldkönigin' 4****, surrounded by mountains, forests and meadows, is situated at the edge of a picturesque larch forest of St. Valentin.
Boutique Hotel Villa Waldkönigin Reschen
★★★★
The wonderful ‘Villa Waldkönigin' 4****, surrounded by mountains, forests and meadows, is situated at the edge of a picturesque larch forest of St. Valentin. The newly renovated Art Deco ancestral home and the newly constructed building provide every comfort of a modern spa. In the dining room you can enjoy an exquisite cuisine as well as delicate, regional wines.
The two hotels ‘Mohren’ and ‘Plavina’, both run by the Theiner family, are situated directly at the main square of the rustic village Burgeis.
Hotel Der Mohrenwirt Burgeis
★★★★
The two hotels ‘Mohren’ and ‘Plavina’, both run by the Theiner family, are situated directly at the main square of the rustic village Burgeis at the foot of the ‘Marienberg’. Both hotels combine the typical old inn-tradition with modern and elegant hotel comfort. The redesigned wellness area with pool provides ample relaxation.
Only a few steps away from the Churburg castle appears the holiday hotel ‘Saldur’ 4**** in a pleasant and quiet location.
Small Active Hotel Saldur Schluderns
★★★★
Only a few steps away from the Churburg castle appears the holiday hotel ‘Saldur’ 4**** in a pleasant and quiet location. Look forward to a beautiful wellness area containing an indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna. In the evening you are treated to exquisite food with a four-course meal including delicacies of the ‘Vinschgauer’ regional cuisine. In the traditionally equipped rooms you have the possibility to take a rest and relax.
The gourmet- and wellness hotel ‚Vier Jahrezeiten’ (Four Seasons) offers you the ‚special something’ situated in the heart of Schlanders.
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Schlanders
★★★★S
The gourmet- and wellness hotel ‚Vier Jahrezeiten’ (Four Seasons) offers you the ‚special something’ situated in the heart of Schlanders. The rooms are spaceous and comfortable with a classy interior. After your hiking tour a lavish spa area with pools and various saunas invites you to some serious relaxation. You also get treated to some fine food, gourmet bliss awaits, where fresh natural products are used and themed according to the seasons.
The Hotel Sand’ 4****, situated in a quiet 10.000m² park, offers its guests a natural bathing pond, a wellness area and an excellent regional cuisine.
Hotel Sand Naturns
★★★★S
The Hotel Sand’ 4****, situated in a quiet 10.000m² park, offers its guests a natural bathing pond, a wellness area and an excellent regional cuisine in their ‘Tyrol Restaurant’. You live in cosy rooms equipped in the Alpine style. This hiking-hotel won’t fail to make your stay most comfortable!
The ‘Rosenhotel Pienzenau’ 4****S is located in the quiet neighbourhood of mansions in Meran and offers its guests every possible comfort.
Hotel Pienzenau am Schloßpark Meran
★★★★S
The ‘Rosenhotel Pienzenau’ 4****S is located in the quiet neighbourhood of mansions in Meran and offers its guests every possible comfort: indoor and outdoor pool with wellness area, rooftop terrace with a marvellous views of Meran and the vineyards plus a sterling restaurant with an exquisite cuisine. The rooms are elegantly equipped in the South Tyrolian style.
Throughout the whole hotel you will find clear, modern decor and a distinctive atmosphere of health and vitality.
Apparthotel Nalserhof Nals
★★★★
Throughout the whole hotel you will find clear, modern decor and a distinctive atmosphere of health and vitality, while the use of authentic natural materials such as walnut, larch and leather provide the Nalserhof with a truly unique character. The impeccably fitted apartments guarantee the highest of comfort levels. Enjoy the big pool between a beautiful sunbathing area and the Mediterranean garden flair.
In the middle of the wine landscape and near the shore of the idyllic Lake Kaltern is the modern family business.
Hotel Thalhof Kaltern
★★★★
In the middle of the wine landscape and near the shore of the idyllic Lake Kaltern is the modern family business. An absolute top hotel with every comfort, in which the light penetrates through the large panoramic windows and the view outside. Let yourself be pampered again at the end of your hiking week and enjoy the inviting wellness area with outdoor and indoor pool or a regional delicacy with a lake view.